Issue 16-43, November 6, 2016
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- IN MEMORIAM: MARK ALLEN (1949-2016)
- 2017 AMERICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY DIVISION OF DYNAMICAL ASTRONOMY MEETING (AAS-DDA)
- ACCRETION, DIFFERENTIATION AND EARLY EVOLUTION OF THE TERRESTRIAL PLANETS
- MOVIE OF JUNO’S APPROACH TO JUPITER
- NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION SEEKING REVIEWERS FOR C.23 SMALLSAT STUDIES
- FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF ASTROBIOLOGY 2017
- ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY OPAG MEETING DATES
- JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
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IN MEMORIAM: MARK ALLEN (1949-2016)
Mark Allen, 67, died on October 22 of complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s
Disease). Mark was born in New York City on September 29, 1949, graduated
Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia College of Columbia
University in New York City and received his PhD from Caltech, both in
chemistry. He spent nearly all of his 37-year career at Caltech and JPL, where
he was a principal scientist, developing chemical models to study the atmospheres
of the earth, planets, comets, interstellar space, and exoplanets. Working with
his then postdoctoral advisor Prof. Yuk Yung of Caltech, Mark was the principal
architect, builder, and keeper of the comprehensive chemical code KINETICS
which has become of the best-known models for simulating chemical processes
in planetary atmospheres. Mark was a team member of the NASA Astrobiology
Institute (NAI) Virtual Planet Lab, Principal Investigator for the “Titan as a
Prebiotic System” node of the NAI, and was involved in a number of NASA and
ESA missions and mission concepts. He is survived by his wife of 34 years,
Emily Bergman; children Boh Allen, Philip Allen, and daughter-in-law, Andrea
Allen; mother Lucille Allen; and sister, Barbara Peterson. His research continues
in the work of his colleagues and former graduate students and postdocs.
Donations in his memory may be made to Columbia College at Columbia
University, or the California Institute of Technology.
Jonathan Lunine, Yuk Yung, Julianne Moses, Bonnie Buratti, and Glenn Orton
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2017 AMERICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
DIVISION OF DYNAMICAL ASTRONOMY MEETING (AAS-DDA)
Sunday June 11 – Thursday June 15, 2017 at
Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
The annual DDA Meeting brings together researchers in astronomy,
astrophysics, planetary science, and astrodynamics for discussions and
talks on all aspects of dynamics in the space sciences. Prof. Rosemary
F. G. Wyse (FRAS) will be honoured at the 2017 meeting with the AAS-DDA
Brouwer Award. The DDA meeting features invited talks on a range of topics,
contributed talks (with no parallel sessions), and posters that can be displayed
throughout the entire conference. The 2017 DDA meeting is being co-sponsored
by the Royal Astronomical Society.
We hope to see you in London next June.
Additional details can be found on the conference web site:
https://dda.aas.org/meetings/2017
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ACCRETION, DIFFERENTIATION AND EARLY EVOLUTION OF THE
TERRESTRIAL PLANETS
Dear Colleagues,
We have great pleasure in announcing an international interdisciplinary workshop on
« Accretion, Differentiation, and Early Evolution of the Terrestrial Planets »
(Nice, May 29 to June 3, 2017).
This workshop will be a follow up to the one that we organized in Nice in May 2014.
We expect around 120 participants, including a significant number of students and
young scientists. The topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to:
1) Chemistry of small bodies in the early solar system and their relation to meteorites
2) Early dynamos in small bodies
3) Dynamical models of terrestrial planet formation and evolution of the Earth-Moon
angular momentum
4) Moon formation models
5) Core-mantle differentiation
6) Delivery of volatile elements, including water
7) Nature and timing of the “late veneer”
8) Consequences of impacts
9) Geodynamics in early terrestrial planets including the onset of the geodynamo,
mantle convection and plate tectonics.
10) Geophysics of extra-solar Earths and super-Earths
The workshop will be held at Le Saint Paul Hotel which is located on the sea front
close to downtown Nice – see http://lesaintpaul-hotel.fr/. Participants will arrive on
Monday May 29, 2014 and depart on Saturday June 3, so that scientific sessions (talks
and posters) will be scheduled over a period of 4 days. The aim is, of course, to have
lots of productive discussions!
Limited funding will be available from our ERC “ACCRETE” project
(http://www.accrete.uni-bayreuth.de/) and from the Transregional Collaborative
Research Center TRR 170
(http://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/geol/fachrichtungen/geochemhydromin/geochemie/forschung/TRR-170-Late-Accretion/index.html ) which we will use mainly to provide support, when necessary,
for young scientists.
We have invited a number of scientists who have made major contributions to a range
of scientific disciplines within the overall theme of the workshop. The following have
confirmed that they will attend: C. Alexander, H. Becker, M. Bizarro, J. Day, C. Dorn,
L. Elkins-Tanton, L. Hallis, J. Hernlund, M. Hirschmann, T. Kruijer, S. Labrosse, S. Lock,
S. Marchi, B. Marty, S. Mojzsis, S. Mukhopadhyay, M. Nakajima, F. Nimmo,
J. O’Rourke, S. Raymond, J. Siebert, A.Shahar, P. Tackley, T. Gerya, N. Tosi, J. Wade,
B. Weiss, B. Wood, H. Palme.
The total number of participants is limited to 120. Scientists who wish to attend the
workshop (including invited speakers) should complete an application form
(https://www-n.oca.eu/morby/Accrete.html ) and return it to [email protected]
as soon as possible. Upon being accepted as a participant, a registration fee of 100 Euros
must be paid in order to confirm registration..
Abstract deadline is 28th February 2017.
Accommodation is available at Le Saint Paul Hotel with rooms costing 115 euros/night
(sea view) or 95 euros/night (garden view). Each room is a double room and they have
40 rooms total (in the case of sharing, the cost per person is 50% of the above figures).
Alternatively, participants can book accommodation in nearby hotels.
With best regards
Dave Rubie and Alessandro Morbidelli
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MOVIE OF JUNO’S APPROACH TO JUPITER
Below is a link to the YOUTUBE movie of Juno approaching Jupiter and the
Galilean moons. This movie shows for the first time, the Galilean satellites
orbiting Jupiter, literally the motion of the spheres. The unique set of images
were captured by Juno in June 2016 on approach to Jupiter. Images were taken
about every 15 minutes for a couple of weeks and are minimally processed for
this movie. Galileo observed these moons to change position with respect to
Jupiter over the course of a few nights. From this observation he realized that the
moons were orbiting mighty Jupiter, a truth that forever changed humanity’s
understanding of our place in the cosmos. Earth was not the center of the Universe.
For the first time in history, we can look upon these moons as they orbit Jupiter
and share in Galileo’s revelation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpsQimYhNkA
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NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION SEEKING REVIEWERS FOR
C.23 SMALLSAT STUDIES
The Planetary Science Division is seeking reviewers for ROSES-2016 program
element C.23 Planetary Science Deep Space SmallSat Studies. Volunteers may
sign up using the new form at
The landing page with links to all of our current volunteer forms may be found at:
http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/.
Questions regarding this program element may be directed to Carolyn Mercer at [email protected].
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FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT OF ASTROBIOLOGY 2017
November 26 – December 1, 2017
Coyhaique, Chile
http://www.astrobiology2017.org/
Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary subject at the frontier of
science. Current research in astrobiology draws researchers from the
fields of astronomy, space science, chemistry, biology, geology,
humanities, sociology and ethical issues.
Many astronomers in the subfields of star formation, solar system
studies, astrochemistry and others, tend to gather around
Astrobiology. Science goals of new generation telescopes such as ALMA,
SKA, TMT, GMT, E-ELT include search for prebiotic molecules, and
detection of bio-signatures in the ever growing sample of extrasolar
planets, many of which reside in the habitable zones. Even dedicated
flagship space missions have been commissioned, such as the wildly
successful Kepler mission, which alone has discovered about 2,000
extrasolar planets, or the soon to be launched TESS and CHEOPS
missions.
The IAU Commission F.3 (Astrobiology) will meet again in the beautiful
town, Coyhaique, Chile in November, 2017. This key meeting fosters
interdisciplinary collaborations for the advancement of Astrobiology,
welcoming researchers from disciplines as diverse as astrophysics,
biology, geology, humanities, and sociology, among others.
Those who are interested in Astrobiology 2017 are kindly requested to
keep your schedule!
Masatoshi Ohishi
Vice-President, IAU Commission F.3
SOC’s chairman
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ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY OPAG MEETING DATES
Dear Colleagues,
The next OPAG meeting will be held February 22–23, 2017, at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Updates will be posted on the OPAG website at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/.
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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
A) UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
FACULTY POSITION IN PLANETARY
MINERALOGY/PETROLOGY/GEOCHEMISTRY
The Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at The University of Tennessee
seeks to fill a faculty position in mineralogy/ petrology/geochemistry with emphasis
in planetary geoscience at the rank of Assistant Professor. The position begins
August 1, 2017. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a Research I University
and the flagship campus of the UT system. The Department (http://eps.utk.edu)
focuses on geology and has an active emphasis on planetary research, including the
study of terrestrial analogs, through its Planetary Geosciences Institute
(http://web.utk.edu/~pgi). Requirements for the position are: Ph.D. in geology or a
related field, and demonstrated research experience in planetary/terrestrial geoscience.
The successful candidate is expected to conduct a robust, funded program of
planetary/terrestrial research, mentor graduate students, effectively teach courses in
mineralogy and/or petrology at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and collaborate
in department research dealing with mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and solar
system exploration. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with
experience. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates
who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural
goals of the University.
To apply, please email the following to [email protected], with the subject line
“Planetary faculty application”: C.V., cover letter describing research and teaching
experience and plans, and names of 4 references with contact information. Applications
received by November 15, 2016, are ensured review, but earlier submission is encouraged.
The position will remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be
directed to J. Moersch.
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Section 504/ADA/ADEA
institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without
regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
B) THREE POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS
REACTION DYNAMICS GROUP
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I AT MANOA
The Reaction Dynamics Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai’i
at Manoa, invites applications for three postdoctoral positions. The appointment
period is initially for one year, but can be renewed annually based on availability
of funds and satisfactory progress. The salary is competitive and commensurate
with experience. Successful applicants should have a strong background in one or
more of the following: experimental reaction dynamics, molecular beams, combustion
chemistry, low temperature condensed phase, UHV technology, pulsed laser systems,
four wave mixing schemes, pulsed lasers, labview.
1 Position: Reaction Dynamics & Combustion Chemistry (Gas Phase). The prime
directive of the experiments is to investigate the formation of carbonaceous molecules
(PAHs) in combustion systems exploiting crossed molecular beams along with mass
spectrometry and ion imaging (Hawaii) and a pyrolytic micro reactor (Advanced
Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory).
1 Position: Astrochemistry (Condensed Phase). The goal of these experiments is
to probe the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in star forming regions
via the interaction of ionizing radiation (charged particles; VUV) with ices exploiting
a surface science machine along with reflectron time of flight mass spectrometry
(Re-TOF); structural isomers are identified selectively by utilizing single photon
tunable vacuum ultraviolet light generated by four wave mixing processes.
1 Position: Planetary Sciences (Condensed Phase). The primary interest of these
studies is to explore the formation and destruction of water on the Moon via
interaction of the Solar Wind with silicates.
Solid communication skills in English (written, oral), a publication record in
internationally circulated, peer-reviewed journals, and willingness to work in a
team are mandatory. Only self-motivated and energetic candidates are encouraged
to apply. Please send a letter of interest, three letters of recommendation, CV, and
publication list to Prof. Ralf I. Kaiser, Department of Chemistry, University of
Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA
[email protected]
their capability to prepare manuscripts for publications independently. The review
of applications will start January 1, 2017, and continues until the position is filled.
A description of our current research group can be found at
http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/Bil301/welcome.html.
C) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR IN IMPACT CRATER
STUDIES ON SMALL SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northern Arizona University is
seeking a Post-doctoral Scholar to utilize spacecraft data available through the
Planetary Data System to investigate the formation and/or modification of impact
craters on small Solar System bodies (dwarf planets, moons, and/or asteroids).
Minimum qualifications are an earned PhD in Planetary Science, Astronomy,
or an appropriate related field conferred no earlier than August 31, 2013.
Preferred qualifications include prior research experience analyzing impact
craters and record of publication of in peer-reviewed literature.
This position has guaranteed funding for two years. Continued employment
after that time period would depend on funding, satisfactory performance, and
department need. This is a full-time position located at the NAU campus in
Flagstaff, AZ. Applications are being accepted until January 5, 2017. Apply
through http://nau.edu/Human-Resources/Careers/Staff-Welcome-Page/, search
on position number 602871, and then select “Apply” on that page. Please include
a curriculum vita and statement of research interests. Only complete application
packets submitted through the NAU HR website will be reviewed. Candidates must
be eligible and available to begin the Post-Doctoral Scholar appointment at NAU
between July 1, 2017 and September 5, 2017. NAU is an AA/EO/MWDV Employer.
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Send submissions to:
Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])
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